North Korea opened its border to photographer Martin Sasse for the sixth time since 1999 in October. With chaperones, permissions and regulations in place, he was able to explore modern life and the art culture in Pyongyang, the capital city.

Tomas van Houtryve has been photographing communism around the world for the past seven years. His interest was piqued while studying in Nepal. He also traveled to China, Cuba, Laos, Moldova, North Korea and Vietnam. The images he took in those countries are now published in his book, “Behind the Curtains.”